Irradiation – Keeping Our Food Safe

Food irradiation is a process used to improve the safety and nutritional value as well as extend the shelf life of food products by reducing or eliminating health hazards associated with the presence of pathogenic microorganisms.  It does not affect the taste, smell, and if water is treated, the pH, or in any other way alter the treated food. 

Germicidal UVC lamps offer the food industry a safe and cost-effective method of providing the public with healthier food products, and at the same time, comply with strict local codes and FDA safety regulations.  The short-wave UVC light effectively kills germs on items such as packaging materials, working surfaces, filling equipment, conveyor belts and transport containers.  In some cases it is used on the food itself such as in treating meat, poultry and seafood in order to prevent food-borne illnesses. 

Another situation in where germicidal light is used is to safely control the infestation of insects in grains, dried fruit, vegetables, nuts and other similar type of foods.  In herbs and spices, it allows producers to reduce the number of microorganisms without the need for harmful chemical additives.  Even foods such as potatoes, onions and garlic are treated to prevent them from sprouting. 

To ensure the water used to rinse fruits, vegetables, and other food is free of harmful microorganisms, germicidal UVC lights are also used.  In addition many other food and drug related industries are moving in the direction of germicidal UVC light technology as it is proving to be a safer alternative than using harmful chemicals.  Please visit the LightSources’ website to find out more about how our UVC lamps can help your business. 

LightSources and its affiliated companies – LCD Lighting, Voltarc, LightTech, and Cerlux represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. Our standard lamps and components as well as customized products offer high-quality solutions to meet our partner’s unique needs.  We invite you to contact us to learn more about our wide selection of lamps.